Boards provider Agency Express has reported a more robust property market at least for listings, with demand for For Sale signs  up last month compared with a year before.

The firm’s Property Activity Index showed that the number of For Sale boards used in May rose 15.4% compared with 8.1% this time last year.

However, it seems fewer may be shifting compared with last year, with Sold signs up 8.1% compared with 12.3% in May 2017.

The west midlands had its best ever month, seeing increases in both new listings at 19.5% and properties sold at 21.9%.

East Anglia had the biggest increase in For Sale signs, up 27.3%, according to the index.

Wales saw the second biggest increase, with For Sale up 18.9%, and also saw Sold signs go up by the most at 16.6%.

London was just behind Wales with 14.4% more Sold signs in use.

All regions saw an increase in For Sale signs but the south-east and north-west of England both saw a drop in Sold boards, falling 5.4% and 2.2% respectively.

Stephen Watson, managing director of Agency Express, said: “Throughout May we typically see a slower pace across the UK property market, so this month’s figures have exceeded our expectations.

“Moving in to June, activity is thus far on trend and we remain optimistic for a buoyant summer.”